US8577650B2 - User interface for modeling thermal comfort - Google Patents

User interface for modeling thermal comfort Download PDF

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US8577650B2
US8577650B2 US12/037,828 US3782808A US8577650B2 US 8577650 B2 US8577650 B2 US 8577650B2 US 3782808 A US3782808 A US 3782808A US 8577650 B2 US8577650 B2 US 8577650B2
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subject
visual representation
data
fabric layer
units
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US20090216509A1 (en
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Andrew Thomas Baker
Linda Connor Sledge
Ralph Solarski
Kenneth John Zwick
Audra Wright
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Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
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Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
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Assigned to KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. reassignment KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ZWICK, KENNETH JOHN, SLEDGE, LINDA CONNOR, WRIGHT, AUDRA, BAKER, ANDREW THOMAS, SOLARSKI, RALPH
Priority to EP09715671.5A priority patent/EP2248015A4/de
Priority to PCT/IB2009/050381 priority patent/WO2009107004A2/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F30/00—Computer-aided design [CAD]
    • G06F30/20—Design optimisation, verification or simulation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2113/00—Details relating to the application field
    • G06F2113/12—Cloth
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2119/00—Details relating to the type or aim of the analysis or the optimisation
    • G06F2119/08—Thermal analysis or thermal optimisation

Definitions

  • Thermal strain is a leading cause of discomfort in clothing. Different materials provide different thermal comfort characteristics for a wearer of the materials in a particular environment. Further, changes in material properties result in discernible differences to the wearer. Typically, an actual product use test is required to determine whether a particular change to one of the material properties results in a meaningful difference to the wearer.
  • Some existing systems attempt to model human thermal comfort. These existing models, however, are limited to a single garment on a human subject or fail to account for various factors such as environmental conditions (e.g., work conditions), garment use scenarios, or physiological data for the specific human subject evaluating the garment.
  • Methods exist that attempt to describe the thermal strain of a human, clothing, environment system. This type of model places emphasis on describing the physiological changes to the subject and characterizes clothing ensembles and fabric layers as a single barrier to heat and moisture movement. This ignores the significance of fabric and air layers as places where heat and moisture may be stored or produced.
  • Other models focus on characterizing heat and moisture movement in fabric layer systems but simplify or ignore the interaction with the subject.
  • Embodiments of the invention predict thermal strain by computer modeling a plurality of fabric layers on a subject and providing a visual representation of the predicted thermal strain on the subject. At least one gap exists between the layers.
  • data corresponding to input parameters is received from a user via a user interface.
  • Output data is generated by the computer model as a function of the received input data.
  • the output data indicates the thermal strain.
  • the thermal strain is provided for display to the user on the visual representation of the subject.
  • the user interacts with the user interface to evaluate the thermal strain indicated on the visual representation of the subject.
  • FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating the prediction of thermal strain based on an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a user interacting with a computing device via a user interface.
  • FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating heat and moisture movement in an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating heat and moisture movement among the layers in an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 5A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating heat and moisture movement among the layers in an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 5B is an exemplary diagram illustrating heat and moisture transfer within a fabric layer.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary equations for conservation of energy in an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary equations for conservation of mass in an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary comfort levels in a mapping of water vapor pressure versus temperature.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates sample, calculated temperature and relative humidity values for the air layer between fabrics from an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates sample, calculated body temperature values from an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a predicted fraction of users wearing a t-shirt and jeans who recorded a particular comfort level as a function of time in a particular environment and at a specified activity level.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a predicted fraction of users wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and coverall who recorded a particular comfort level as a function of time in a particular environment and at a specified activity level.
  • FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating user interaction with an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • FIG. 14 is an exemplary user interface showing a side-by-side comparison of different garments.
  • FIG. 15 is an exemplary user interface showing fields for entry of subject data by a user.
  • FIG. 16 is an exemplary user interface showing fields for entry of work conditions by the user.
  • Embodiments of the invention predict thermal strain on a subject such as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the thermal strain is a function of subject data, fabric data, and environmental condition data.
  • the fabric data corresponds to a plurality of fabric layers such as an inner layer and an outer layer separated by a gap.
  • the thermal strain is represented by a visual representation of the subject with the fabric layers.
  • Other aspects of the invention provide an interactive model enabling users to provide and adjust input data to compare and evaluate fabric layers. Users may provide input data corresponding to particular garments to predict and compare the thermal strain resulting from the garments being worn by the subject. For example, aspects of the invention predict the physiological response by the subject to a particular user activity level, external environment conditions, and clothing layers including protective garments.
  • the exemplary thermal comfort model illustrated and described herein is applicable to any combination of fabric layers on a subject.
  • the fabric layers may be woven materials, knit materials, films, and nonwoven webs including, but not limited to spunbond, meltblown, spunbond/meltblown/spunbond, hydroentangled materials, air laid and wet laid structures.
  • the model is applicable to any fabric, garment, or article of clothing that comes into contact with any portion of the subject.
  • the applicable garments include coveralls, surgical gowns, outdoor apparel, and the like.
  • the subject may be any object that interacts with its environment in the form of heat and moisture.
  • the subject may be a human or any other animal.
  • an exemplary flow chart illustrates the prediction of thermal strain based on an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • the model provides a technical basis for understanding thermal comfort in various fabrics including coveralls, surgical gowns, outdoor apparel, or other garments or articles of clothing.
  • the applicable garments may be disposable, semi-durable, or durable.
  • the prediction of thermal strain estimates the impact of fabric changes without requiring a use test.
  • a computerized model of a plurality of fabric layers on a subject is defined.
  • the fabric layers have at least one gap between them.
  • the process loops at 104 until data is received from a user.
  • Data is received at 106 from the user.
  • the received data includes, for example, data corresponding to one or more input parameters for the defined model.
  • the received data may be a command to execute the model based on default inputs, or data relating to one or more characteristics of the subject, garment, or environmental conditions (e.g., work situations).
  • the model executes based on the received data to predict thermal strain.
  • Output parameter data is generated at 108 as a function of the defined model and the received data.
  • the generated output parameter data is provided to the user at 110 .
  • the user evaluates the fabric layers based on the output parameter data.
  • fabric refers to woven, knitted, nonwoven, and film materials such as spunbond, meltblown, spunbond/meltblown/spunbond, film laminates, and other like materials.
  • the outer fabric layer may represent for example Coveralls, surgical gowns, etc. These fabric layers can be designed to be disposable, semi-durable, or durable.
  • aspects of the invention enable the user to compare different combinations of fabric layers for product development. Further, the compared combinations of fabric layers may be used to market one of the combinations over another of the combinations. For example, the user is able to identify differences in fabric performance in a particular work condition represented by the input data and to market the fabric layers based on the identified differences. Another example includes determining optimal work-rest cycles for workers wearing the garments based on the predicted thermal strain to which the workers will be subjected.
  • the input parameters are identified to the user (e.g., via an application programming interface) and provided to the user along with the defined model for execution. Further, defined data relating to the subject, garment, or environmental conditions is provided to the user (e.g., in one or more databases or files).
  • an exemplary block diagram illustrates a user 202 interacting with a computing device 204 via a user interface 206 .
  • the computing device 204 includes a memory area 208 and a processor 226 .
  • the memory area 208 includes one or more computer-readable media. While illustrated as part of the computing device 204 , the computer-readable media may be external to the computing device 204 yet connected (e.g., via a network). Further, any combination of the elements illustrated as being stored on the computer-readable media may be stored on separate media.
  • the memory area 208 stores a computerized model 210 of one or more garments on a subject wherein the garments have at least one gap between them. While the gap is described in examples herein as being an air gap, other gaps such as a liquid gap or a solid barrier between the garments is contemplated.
  • the model 210 includes equations for simulating the garments on the subject, and includes logic for solving the equations in an embodiment.
  • the memory area 208 further stores environmental condition data 212 , subject data 214 , and garment data 216 .
  • the environmental condition data 212 includes, for example, ambient air temperature, humidity, and ambient air speed.
  • the environmental condition data 212 may also include one or more predefined work environments such as indoor or outdoor construction or a laboratory.
  • the processor 226 is configured to receive a selection of one of the predefined work environments and to execute the model 210 based on the selected work environment.
  • the user 202 is able to modify the predefined work environments or define a new work environment.
  • the subject data 214 includes, for example, the height, weight, age, gender, metabolic rate, and activity level of the subject.
  • the garment data 216 includes data describing the fabric layers to be modeled on the subject.
  • the garment data 216 includes, for example, fiber type, basis weight, and moisture content, moisture permeability and thermal insulation. Additional examples of the environmental condition data 212 , subject data 214 , and garment data 216 are listed in Appendix A.
  • embodiments of the invention receive data from the user 202 to modify one or more of the environmental condition data 212 , subject data 214 , and garment data 216 stored in the memory area 208 .
  • the data for the model 210 stored in the memory area 208 is provided to the user 202 for display on the user interface 206 .
  • the user 202 selects (e.g., via a user interface selection device), a portion of the displayed model data for modification or provides new model data (e.g., to define a new garment).
  • the model 210 is then executed based on the data received from the user 202 .
  • aspects of the invention are embodied as application programs executing on the computing device 204 , applications executing in a networked environment, and/or applications executing as a web service.
  • the memory area 208 stores one or more computer-executable components for implementing aspects of the invention.
  • the computer-executable components include a memory component 220 , a simulation component 222 , and a user interface component 224 .
  • the memory component 220 stores the environmental condition data 212 , subject data 214 , and garment data 216 (e.g., as received from the user 202 or another data source such as a manufacturer of the garment).
  • the simulation component 222 provides the logic for executing the model 210 .
  • the user interface component 224 executes in an embodiment of the invention in which the user 202 interacts with the user interface 206 .
  • the processor 226 is configured to communicate with the memory area 208 and to execute the computer-executable components or instructions.
  • the user interface component 224 receives input data from the user 202 for the simulation component 222 .
  • the input data corresponds to one or more of the data stored by the memory component 220 .
  • the simulation component 222 executes based on the input data received by the user interface component 224 to generate output data.
  • the user interface component 224 provides the output data from the simulation component 222 to the user interface 206 for display to the user 202 as an indication of the physiological response by the subject to the input data.
  • the response by the subject corresponds to the degree of strain on the subject due to the stress (e.g., the stress corresponds to the input data such as the temperature).
  • the user interface component 224 provides the output data on a visual representation 218 of the fabric layers or garments on the subject.
  • the visual representation 218 includes a torso of a human subject wearing the garments. Some or all of the output data may be included in the visual representation 218 .
  • the user 202 selects the output data for inclusion in the visual representation 218 .
  • an exemplary flow chart illustrates operation of an exemplary thermal comfort model according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the process begins at 302 .
  • data is input to the model as extensible markup language (XML) data.
  • Initial values and boundary conditions are set for the model at 306 .
  • Model equations (e.g., for mass and heat conservation) are solved at 308 based on the set initial values and boundary conditions.
  • the distribution of heat and water in the fabric layers is calculated at 310 .
  • the changes in subject physiology due to thermoregulation processes are calculated at 312 .
  • the state of the model is stored or recorded at 314 .
  • the process stops at 320 . Otherwise, a time value is incremented at 318 and processing continues at 308 .
  • an exemplary block diagram illustrates heat and moisture movement 402 in an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • the exemplary thermal comfort model illustrated in FIG. 4 accounts for thermal regulation.
  • the thermal regulation of the body is due to both the conduction of heat and the evaporation of moisture.
  • the schematic of the moisture movement is nearly identical to heat movement.
  • the chambers represent the locations where heat can accumulate. This includes an inner fabric layer for the undergarments 406 (e.g., t-shirt), an outer fabric layer for the product 408 (e.g., a coverall), and a layer for an air gap between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer (microclimate 407 ).
  • the rate at which heat transfers from each representative chamber is dependent on the difference in heat (as indicated by water level on the schematic) and how open the valve is between each chamber.
  • Physical work done 403 by the body is typically at or below 10% of the energy consumed.
  • the large knob 401 on the metabolic rate tube indicates the consumption of energy by the body.
  • the efficiency of the body to convert energy consumed into energy that accomplishes work is represented by the adjacent ‘work efficiency’ knob. Energy used to do work is removed at this location. The remaining energy is heat energy and fills the body core chamber changing the core temperature.
  • the rate of loss through respiration depends on the respiration (breaths per minute) and vapor and temperature difference 410 between the lungs and outside air.
  • the rate heat transferred by blood movement depends on the heart rate and the vasodilatation of the capillaries in the skin.
  • the body core chamber has a measuring stick with level markers. If the body temperature rises above the upper mark, the body starts producing sweat as a function of the difference in temperature from the nominal body temperature (33.7° C. for skin, 36.8° C. for body core). Below the lowest mark the body will start shivering to increase metabolic rate.
  • the rate that heat transfers from the skin to the undergarment is dependent on the difference in the two water levels and how open the valve 420 ‘V1’ is.
  • the rate heat increases the temperature in the undergarment chamber (represented by height of fluid) depends on the specific heat of the undergarment fabric (represented by the size of that chamber). Similarly the rate vapor pressure (represented by height of fluid) in the undergarment increases depends on the volume of air in the fabric (represented by size of that chamber).
  • the rate the fluid level rises is dependent on how fast water flows in, and the size of the chamber.
  • the rate temperature increases depends not only on the increase in heat energy, but also the heat capacity of the layer. In the same way heat is transferred to the microclimate from the undergarment. The difference in fluid height (temperature) and the setting of ‘V2’ knob will drive the rate at which the heat is transferred. And similarly heat into the product ‘V3’ and heat loss from product into the outside ‘V4’. If the garment blocks or slows the transfer of moisture to the outside (as with protective clothing designed to keep dangerous fluids out), the core temperature will continue to rise, and the body will suffer heat stress. The proper design of protective clothing requires taking the flow of heat and moisture through each layer into account.
  • the ‘V1’, ‘V2’, ‘V3’, and ‘V4’ knobs determining the rates of heat flux from one chamber to another are related to but not identical to those driving moisture flux from one chamber to another.
  • the “Lewis Relation” for example relates the moisture transfer coefficient to the heat transfer coefficient for the case of air convection driven transfer.
  • Thermal radiation coming from either sunlight or other sources of radiated heat adds to the product temperature.
  • the large knob indicates the magnitude of the heat source. Direct sunlight for example can average more than 100 W/m 2 and can be the predominant heat flux in the system.
  • the small knob on the radiation tube indicates that the heat rate from radiation that enters the fabric depends on the fabric. Reflective fabrics for example reduce the absorption of thermal radiation.
  • an exemplary block diagram illustrates heat and moisture movement 502 among the layers in an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • the model is constructed such that at each time step heat energy and water mass are conserved as they move from one layer or portion of one layer to another. Transport mechanisms such as convection, conduction, diffusion, and radiation are considered when calculating the magnitude of the various heat and moisture fluxes.
  • This exemplary model is constructed with one undergarment fabric layer 501 at some average internal temperature of ‘Tu’ and average internal vapor pressure of ‘Vu’ adjacent the subjects skin 560 at some average skin temperature of ‘Tsk’.
  • the model has one microclimate air layer 502 at some average air temperature ‘Tm’ and some average water vapor pressure of ‘Vm’ between fabric layer 501 and outer garment fabric layer 503 .
  • the outer garment fabric layer has an internal temperature of ‘Tc’ and an internal water vapor pressure of ‘Vc’.
  • the outside air layer 561 is adjacent the outer garment fabric layer 503 and is represented by an average air temperature ‘Tout’ and an average water vapor pressure ‘Vout’ as well as a radiant surface temperature ‘Trad’.
  • the boundary between the undergarment fabric 501 and the microclimate air layer 502 is at some average temperature ‘Tum’ and average water vapor pressure ‘Vum’.
  • the boundary between the microclimate air layer 502 and the outer garment fabric layer 503 is at an average temperature of ‘Tmc’ and average water vapor pressure of ‘Vmc’.
  • the boundary between the outer garment fabric layer 503 and the outside air layer 561 has an average temperature of ‘Tco’, and average water vapor pressure of ‘Vco’.
  • the surface area of each of the layers is not necessarily the same and increases as you move outward from the skin.
  • the skin surface area ‘Ask’ is smaller than the undergarment surface area ‘Au’.
  • the microclimate surface area ‘Am’ is taken to be the average of ‘Au’ and the outer garment surface area ‘Ac’.
  • the inside surface of one fabric layer does not necessarily have the same surface area as the outside surface of the same fabric layer.
  • the difference is meaningful and should be incorporated into the model.
  • the heat and moisture fluxes into the fabric and air layers in the model are not necessarily the same as the fluxes out of these layers.
  • the difference between the fluxes going in and coming out is accumulation or depletion of moisture and or heat in that layer. Any such accumulation or depletion of heat and moisture change the temperature and moisture content of that layer respectively.
  • the arrows represent heat and moisture fluxes at a particular point in time.
  • the terms starting with QC represent heat fluxes due to convection.
  • Terms starting with M are moisture fluxes due to convection.
  • the term ‘MEst’ represents moisture lost through the skin from diffusion.
  • This transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is proportional to the gradient of moisture in the stratum corneum layer.
  • the moisture content of the outside surface of the skin depends on the relative humidity of the air in contact with the skin.
  • the relative humidity of the air is further dependent on the temperature and vapor pressure of that air which is in turn dependent on the transepidermal water loss. It is possible to include the calculations for transepidermal water loss as part of the thermal comfort model.
  • a natural consequence of the calculation of TEWL is an estimate of the moisture content of the stratum corneum.
  • Various physical properties of the skin for example permeability to chemicals, can therefore be estimated.
  • an exemplary block diagram illustrates heat and moisture movement among the layers in an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • the boundary 512 between the fabric layer 501 and the air gap layer 502 has convective heat transfer from the fabric 501 into the adjacent air 502 .
  • Heat transfer from radiation at boundary 512 leaves fabric 501 and enters fabric 503 at boundary 511 .
  • Radiation of heat from the outside fabric layer 503 is exchanged with an outside radiant surface 516 that is not necessarily at the same temperature as the surrounding air layer 517 .
  • Heat can also be lost or gained by evaporation or condensation of water at boundaries between fabric and air layers. Fluid layers 508 at these boundaries can increase or decrease in size as water is added or removed.
  • Liquid water in these fluid layers 508 can also move by capillary forces in the adjacent fabric layers.
  • the capillary forces are dependent on the contact angle between the liquid and fiber surfaces and is therefore dependent on the material making up the fiber as well as any surface treatments.
  • any fluid layer 508 at a fabric air boundary is assumed to be absorbed into the fabric when the fiber making up that fabric layer is hydrophilic.
  • Alternate thermal comfort models make use of models of fluid flow in porous structures to calculate the dynamic motion of fluid in the fabric layers. Additionally, transfer of moisture vapor from one layer to another can occur by convection.
  • the model optionally includes air exchange between the air layer 502 and the outside air 517 .
  • This exchange of air 505 can bring in or remove heat and or moisture.
  • Air exchange through the garment may also be incorporated.
  • Radiant heat exchange between inner garments 501 and outer garments 503 has been found to be as much as 25% of the overall heat loss from the body. Radiant heat from sunlight can be well over 100 watts per square meter or more in direct sunlight. Radiant heat exchange with the outside environment can be a dominant factor in determining the thermal stress to which the subject is exposed.
  • the heat and moisture fluxes are balanced in such a way that both heat and moisture are conserved throughout the entire system at any point in time. Any appropriate mathematical procedure may be employed to solve the conservation equations such as the Newton-Raphson method.
  • FIG. 5B an exemplary diagram illustrates heat and moisture transfer within a fabric layer. Heat and moisture transfer into our out of the fabric layer at any point in time will cause redistribution of heat and moisture within the fabric layer.
  • the fabric layer 501 is made up of a mass of fibers 520 and interstitial air 523 .
  • changes in heat and moisture are redistributed between fiber, air and liquid water zones such that they are in local equilibrium.
  • the total fiber 520 moisture content is such that the relative humidity of the air 523 are in equilibrium as determined by sorption isotherm curves representing the specific type of material making up the fiber.
  • liquid water held in the capillary structure 521 between fibers can occur only when the fibers have reached 100% saturation equivalent to the moisture content on the sorption isotherm curve when the relative humidity is 100%.
  • Liquid at the interfaces 508 will be incorporated into the fabric when the material making up the fibers is hydrophilic. This water is distributed into the fibers 520 as absorbed water and into the interstitial air 523 as humidity. In the case where the air and fibers are saturated or become saturated by incoming water, the additional water is added to water adsorbed onto the fiber surfaces 521 .
  • the adsorbed water 521 is removed first, and then if needed removed from water absorbed in the fibers and the surrounding air in a proportion determined by the sorption isotherm curve.
  • heat is generated or absorbed in accordance with latent heat of vaporization or heat of sorption as appropriate.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary equations 602 for conservation of energy while FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary equations 702 for conservation of mass.
  • the illustrated equations 602 , 702 are solved simultaneously based on the input parameter data. Appendix C provides a detailed description of the terms and meaning of each term in the equations.
  • the accuracy of the exemplary model was confirmed via a comfort study for individuals.
  • the study was designed to cover a range of environmental and use conditions as well as undergarment and outer garment fabrics and styles.
  • the outer garments were disposable protective coveralls with hoods.
  • the coverall fabric did not cover face, hands, or feet.
  • the study conditions were chosen using a Placket-Burman design to maximize orthogonality of the independent variables.
  • An electrocardiogram was taken throughout the study to indicate heart rate. Chest expansion was measured to quantify breath rate and tidal volume. Sweat loss and evaporation was quantified gravimetrically. Temperature and relative humidity was measured in the air space between the undergarments and coverall. Good correlation was found between the model's predicted values and the results of the comfort study.
  • exemplary comfort levels are illustrated in a graph 802 of water vapor pressure to temperature.
  • the plotted set of points represents the temperature and vapor pressure of the air layer between undergarment and coveralls.
  • the state of the microclimate when the subject dons a coverall is shown at point 803 .
  • the subject then acclimates to a new temperature for 30 minutes to point 804 .
  • the temperature increases, but the water vapor pressure stays relatively constant because the subject has not yet begun to sweat to attempt to regulate temperature.
  • the garment is breathable enough to let the sensible perspiration (moisture that transpires through the stratum corneum) pass through.
  • the subject begins light stepping exercise for 30 minutes to point 805 .
  • the subject begins to sweat to help remove the internal heat generated by the exercise.
  • the water vapor pressure increases, but the temperature stays constant because the air within the garment is not yet saturated and the sweat can evaporate and remove heat at a constant temperature. Even though the temperature remains constant, this subject moves into the uncomfortable range (e.g., point 806 ) because the increasing humidity makes it more difficult to remove heat efficiently.
  • This figure represents one approach to characterizing thermal comfort of individuals based on the temperature and humidity of the air surrounding a subject's body.
  • Other empirical models exist that provide a PMV or “Predicted Mean Vote” for thermal comfort based on physiological stress indicators like core and skin temperature.
  • example output results describing the temperature and percent relative humidity of the air layer between the undergarment fabric and the outer garment are illustrated in a graph 902 .
  • This graph illustrates the dynamic nature of the air layer as it accommodates heat and moisture coming and going through the adjacent fabric layers.
  • estimated core body temperature values are graphed as a function of time.
  • this chart includes the estimated thermal comfort level for this subject.
  • thermal comfort level for this subject.
  • thermal comfort There are many empirical models of thermal comfort, some of which are known in the art. For example, existing literature provides equations relating physiological and environmental state with thermal comfort.
  • This graph 1002 illustrates the change in comfort level as the core body temperature increases over time.
  • any of the input parameters to the model are represented not by a single value but by a distribution of values.
  • These graphs serve as examples of the types of comparisons that may be made using the thermal comfort model and distributions of input parameters.
  • the Monte-Carlo type simulation may be employed as a method for estimating any of the output parameters such as thermal strain for a population of input parameters.
  • the graph 1102 provides an example of the predicted fractions of users wearing a t-shirt and jeans who were at a comfort level of six or less on a ten-point scale, with zero being “the coldest you've ever been”, five being “neutral, neither cold nor warm”, and ten being “the hottest you've ever been”.
  • the various plotted curves represent different level of cooling applied directly to the skin in watts per square meter.
  • Input parameters for subject weight and height and age were selected randomly from a distribution of subjects.
  • graph 1202 represents the estimated percentage of subjects that were comfortable wearing undergarments and a coverall.
  • graph 1102 in FIG. 11 it is possible to estimate the percentage increase in uncomfortable subjects when they wear a coverall over T-shirt and Jeans.
  • an exemplary flow chart illustrates user interaction with an exemplary thermal comfort model.
  • the process begins at 1302 .
  • a visual representation of the subject is provided to a user for display on a user interface.
  • the visual representation includes a plurality of fabric layers on the subject where the fabric layers have at least one gap between them.
  • User input is received at 1306 (e.g., via a user interface selection device such as a pointing device or keyboard) and converted into, for example, XML data at 1308 .
  • the thermal comfort model corresponding to the provided visual representation is accessed and executed at 1310 based on the XML data.
  • the model simulates the thermal comfort of the subject wearing the plurality of fabric layers and generates output XML data at 1312 .
  • the output XML data indicates a core temperature and hydration level of the subject over a user-defined time period.
  • the hydration may be used as an indication of the skin health of the subject.
  • the output XML data indicates the permeability of the subject's skin to polar materials and/or non-polar materials such as toxins.
  • the visual representation of the subject is modified at 1314 based on the generated output XML data to indicate the thermal comfort of the subject. For example, the visual representation of the subject is modified to reflect the core temperature and hydration level of the subject over the user-defined time period. In embodiments, data corresponding to the modified visual representation is provided to the user for display on the user interface. If the user wants to alter the input data at 1316 , the process continues at 1306 . Otherwise, the process stops at 1318 .
  • an exemplary user interface 1402 shows a side-by-side comparison of different garments modeled on a human subject.
  • a portion of the user interface 1402 identifies the particular garments modeled, the duration for model execution, ambient air temperature, air speed, a work environment, user information, and user activity level.
  • the gap between the fabric layers is exposed on the visual representation of the human subject.
  • the visual representation includes any representation capable of indicating thermal comfort anywhere on the spectrum of representation from photo-realistic representations to cartoon (e.g., anthropomorthic).
  • a chart on the user interface 1402 is used to indicate the predicted thermal comfort level of each garment.
  • chart is color-coded corresponding to the comfort levels such as “comfortable,” “warning,” and “danger” over time.
  • the thermal strain is also reflected in the visual representation of the human subject.
  • the visual representation of the subject is updated to refer to the thermal strain of the subject at a user specified time.
  • an alert such as a visual or audio alert is provided to the user when the comfort level exceeds a predefined (e.g., user-defined) threshold.
  • the air temperature is represented by the background color
  • the temperature of any radiant heat/cool source is represented by the bar above the head of each subject represents
  • the microclimate temperature e.g., temperature of the space between the subject and the outer garment
  • the temperature of the subject is represented by skin color
  • the overall thermal comfort is represented by the facial expression on the subject (e.g., smile, frown, grimace, and the like).
  • the predicted perspiration rate of the subject is indicated graphically as perspiration (e.g., a quantity of beads of sweat) on the subject or the garment.
  • the microclimate area is shown as a “cutaway” view of the garment on the subject.
  • the thermal strain determination yields a value that exceeds a particular threshold (e.g., pre-defined or user-defined), the eyes of the subject are shown as crossed-out.
  • a particular threshold e.g., pre-defined or user-defined
  • Exemplary thresholds include a high temperature (e.g., greater than 38 degrees Celsius) or dehydration (e.g., greater than 5% body mass has been lost).
  • the user interface 1402 enables the user to compare different garment combinations exposed to the same conditions (e.g., subject data and environmental or working conditions). Aspects of the invention enable the user to identify differences between garments and market one particular garment over the other based on the identified differences.
  • a user conducts a side-by-side comparison of the KLEENGUARD® A10 Coveralls to the KLEENGUARD® A40 Coveralls, both available from the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Roswell, Ga.
  • an exemplary user interface 1502 shows fields for entry of subject data by a user.
  • the user interface 1502 includes fields for entry of height and weight of the subjects along with a basal metabolic rate.
  • the height and weight are used to determine the basal metabolic rate and skin surface areas.
  • Other user-specific parameters are within the scope of the invention such as gender and whether the user is acclimated to the heat.
  • the exemplary thermal comfort model may account for body shape to allocate heat distribution to portions of the subject.
  • the user interface 1502 also includes fields for identifying the undergarments worn by the subject.
  • the “US Coverall Wearer” selection represents a set of input parameters (e.g., height, weight, basal metabolic rate, undergarment choices, and the like).
  • the input parameters include, for example, standard, predefined, or default inputs or input sets.
  • a plurality of sets of input parameters is available for selection by the user.
  • an exemplary user interface 1602 shows fields for entry of work conditions by the user.
  • the user interface 1602 includes fields for entry of a garment selection (e.g., fabric data), subject posture, re-hydration availability, thermal insulation, moisture insulation, environmental conditions such as room temperature and humidity, and the activity level of the subject.
  • a garment selection e.g., fabric data
  • subject posture e.g., a garment
  • re-hydration availability e.g., thermal insulation
  • moisture insulation e.g., moisture insulation
  • environmental conditions such as room temperature and humidity
  • the activity level of the subject e.g., a garment selection
  • the “Construction Outside” selection represents a set of input parameters regarding the work environment and other environmental conditions. In an embodiment, a plurality of sets of input parameters is available for selection by the user.
  • Appendix B provides a description of the input parameters.
  • an output file from a model includes all the information from an input file, but adds time dependent data.
  • the element Static_Vars includes all the basic properties of the model that do not change with time and includes sub-nodes for Subject, Environment, and Clothing.
  • the element Dynamic_Vars includes all the time nodes (e.g., the state of the model at specific times).
  • the Dynamic_Vars element contains a set of TimeData nodes.
  • the first TimeData node has a Type attribute set to ‘Initial’ and indicates the initial values for each of the dynamic parameters in the model.
  • Subsequent TimeData nodes with Type attributes set to ‘Run’ are output results from the model and represent the state of the model at a time indicated by the ModelTime subnode.
  • input parameters may be time dependent. Such input data sets would change one or more of the model parameters to represent for example changes occurring in work environment, clothing type, or activity level.
  • One method for implementing this type of input flexibility uses a single data format for input and output data sets. The resulting output data from running the model can be used as input data for a subsequent model input data set. Changes can be made to a single input parameter or set of input parameters model an instantaneous change in the state of the model. Concatenation of the outputs of each model run then simulates the condition when a model parameter changes.
  • the Summary element includes result calculations from the end of the model.
  • the element Limit — 50 represents the time it took for the subject to lose 50% of the acceptable water loss value.
  • the element Limit — 95 represents the time it took to lose 95% of the water value.
  • the element Limit_Tre represents the time it took for the subject to reach 38° C. core body temperature.
  • the element Limit_Comf represents the time it took for the subject to reach “2” (e.g., Very Hot) on the thermal comfort scale. It will be appreciated that data for some or all of these elements may be represented in the user interfaces illustrated herein.
  • a computing device such as computing device 204 in FIG. 2 or a computer has one or more processors or processing units and a system memory.
  • the computer typically has at least some form of computer readable media.
  • Computer readable media which include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media, may be any available medium that may be accessed by computer.
  • Computer readable media comprise computer storage media and communication media.
  • Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
  • computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store the desired information and that may be accessed by computer.
  • Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.
  • Wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection
  • wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media
  • communication media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media
  • the system memory includes computer storage media in the form of removable and/or non-removable, volatile and/or nonvolatile memory.
  • the computer may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer.
  • Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
  • Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices.
  • the computer-executable instructions may be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules.
  • program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
  • aspects of the invention may be implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein.
  • Other embodiments of the invention may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.
  • aspects of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network.
  • program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
  • a computer executes computer-executable instructions embodied in one or more computer-executable components stored on one or more computer-readable media to implement aspects of the invention described and/or illustrated herein.
  • inventions illustrated and described herein as well as embodiments not specifically described herein but within the scope of aspects of the invention constitute exemplary means for means for defining the model, exemplary means for predicting the thermal strain, exemplary means for simultaneously solving equations for conservation of energy and conservation of mass based on the received data, exemplary means for calculating a radiant heat exchange rate among the fabric layers independent of the gap, and exemplary means for accounting for air exchange between the gap and ambient air external to the garments.
  • XML extensible markup language
  • Out Temp (° C.): The temperature of the air in the environment where the subject is being evaluated
  • Alpha Msk/Mtot The fraction of the body mass that is in the skin layer.
  • Body Mass (kg): The nude body mass of the subject.
  • Height (m) The height of the subject.
  • MET The metabolic energy production of the subject. This corresponds to the rate of energy being generated by the subject and changes as a function of the activity.
  • Work Efficiency The efficiency of the subject at converting metabolic energy into work done by the body. This is the ratio of work done by the body to the MET.
  • Prod Ret (m 2 kPa/W): The moisture insulation of the outer garment layer. Fabric with an Ret of 0.5 would allow enough moisture to pass through one square meter of fabric when the vapor pressure gradient across the fabric was 1 kilopascal that if the water had evaporated, two watts of heat would be removed from the underlying layer. Moisture insulation can be measured for example using sweating mannequins.
  • Prod Rct (m 2 ° C./W): The thermal insulation of the outer garment layer. Fabric with an Rct value of 0.5 would allow two watts of heat to pass through one square meter of the fabric when the temperature gradient across the fabric was one degree Celsius. Thermal insulation can be measured for example using sweating mannequins.
  • Prod Area (m 2 ) The surface area of the outer fabric layer.
  • Air exchange rate with outside (l/hr): The rate that air is moved from the environment into the air layer between fabric layers.
  • a value of one liter per hour means that one liter of the air layer air is replaced by one liter of the outside air per hour.
  • volume of air in microclimate (l): The volume of air in the gap between the undergarment and the outer garment.
  • Velocity of air in microclimate (m/s): The speed of the air layer in the gap between the fabric layers relative to the fabric layer surfaces.
  • Prod Fabric Basis Weight (g/m 2 ): The dry mass per unit area for the outer fabric layer.
  • Prod Fabric Density (g/cm 3 ): The mass per unit volume of the outer fabric layer. It is the ratio of the fiber mass excluding absorbed water to the volume of the outer fabric layer in its use state.
  • Prod Fiber Type The type of fiber that makes up the outer fabric layer. This specifies which sorption isotherm data is used in the calculations of moisture and heat movement within the fabric.
  • Prod Fiber moisture level (g-H2O/g-wet fiber): The mass of water that has been absorbed into the fiber making up the outer fabric layer. The moisture level is the ratio of the absorbed water to the total weight of the wet fiber.
  • Prod Fabric emissivity The emissivity of the outer fabric layer. This is used in the calculation of heat exchange from radiant heat exchange between layers and should represent the average emissivity for the relevant wavelengths.
  • Ug Ret (m 2 kPa/W): The moisture insulation of the undergarment layer. See Prod Ret for more information. Moisture insulation can be measured for example using sweating mannequins.
  • Ug Rct (m 2 ° C./W): The thermal insulation of the undergarment layer. See Prod Rct for more information. Thermal insulation of fabric layers can be measured for example using sweating mannequins.
  • Ug Gap (cm) The average distance between the undergarment fabric layer and the outer fabric layer.
  • Ug Area (m 2 ) The total surface area of the undergarment fabric layer.
  • Ug Fabric Basis Weight (g/m 2 ): The dry mass per unit area for the undergarment fabric layer.
  • Ug Fabric Density (g/cm 3 ): The mass per unit volume of the outer fabric layer. It is the ratio of the fiber mass excluding absorbed water to the volume of the outer fabric layer in its use state.
  • Ug Fiber Type The type of fiber that makes up the undergarment fabric layer. This specifies which sorption isotherm data is used in the calculations of moisture and heat movement within the fabric.
  • Ug Fiber moisture level (g-H2O/g-wet fiber): The mass of water that has been absorbed into the fiber making up the undergarment fabric layer. The moisture level is the ratio of the absorbed water to the total weight of the wet fiber.
  • Ug Fabric emissivity The emissivity of the undergarment fabric layer. The emissivity of most clothing fabrics is very close to unity. This property can readily be measured using methods described in the art.
  • initial MC Temp (° C.): The initial temperature of the air layer between the fabric layers.
  • initial MC % RH The initial relative humidity of the air layer between fabric layers.
  • Initial Skin Temp (° C.): The initial average temperature of the subjects skin.
  • Initial Core Temp (° C.): The initial average core temperature of the subject.
  • Age (years): The age of the subject.
  • BMR (W/m 2 ): The basal metabolic rate of the subject.
  • hc_pr_i (W/m 2 K): The convective transfer coefficient at the boundary between the air layer and the outer fabric layer. Various methods may be employed to estimate this transfer coefficient including experimentation.
  • hc_pr_o (W/m 2 K): The convective transfer coefficient at the boundary between the outer fabric layer and the outside environment. Various methods may be employed to estimate this transfer coefficient. Several published articles describe empirical models of this transfer coefficient
  • Prod Initial Temp The initial temperature of the outer garment fabric layer.
  • Prod Initial % RH The initial relative humidity of the air between the fibers that make up the product fabric layer.
  • hc_un_i (W/m 2 K): The convective transfer coefficient at the boundary between the undergarment and the subjects skin. Various methods may be employed to estimate this transfer coefficient including experimentation.
  • hc_un_o (W/m 2 K): The convective transfer coefficient at the boundary between the undergarment and the air layer between the undergarment and the outer garment fabric layers. Various methods may be employed to estimate this transfer coefficient including experimentation.
  • Ug Initial Temp The initial temperature of the undergarment fabric layer.

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  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Evolutionary Computation (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials Using Thermal Means (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
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US20130066585A1 (en) * 2011-09-09 2013-03-14 Masaaki Saito Predicted mean vote estimating device and computer program product
US9243811B2 (en) * 2011-09-09 2016-01-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Predicted mean vote estimating device and computer program product
US20130246008A1 (en) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-19 Chao-Hsin Lin Cabin airflow modeling
US20150242539A1 (en) * 2012-08-13 2015-08-27 Airbus India Operations Pvt. Ltd. System and method for computing design parameters for a thermally comfortable environment
US10613710B2 (en) 2017-10-22 2020-04-07 SWATCHBOOK, Inc. Product simulation and control system for user navigation and interaction

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